Keeping warm on a budget
by ethelsmith
As winter chills bite, heating costs increase .Do they have to though? How to keep winter warm on a budget
 Open fire |
Value for money
For most people money is hard come by. Working for a living is hard and there are so many drains on your income. Whilst some spends are essential it is possible to enjoy some of life's luxuries and still keep the wolves from the door.
We should never be cold in winter. Maintaining good health is vital and living in exceptionally cold conditions could damage your health. If the atmosphere becomes damp as well, you and your family could have chest and breathing problems.
So how to keep warm without racking up huge energy bills?
 Keep snug |
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Compare and switch
Not all energy providers offer the best deal. Use an online comparison website in order to find the best deal available.
Bear in mind that some comparison websites are not independent. Rather they have a vested interest in recommending certain energy providers. Make sure that you check more than one source.
Research options available through cashback sites for an extra bonus. There are some great deals around right now. Take your time, choose well, then switch your energy provider. If and when their prices increase switch again.
Small changes make big savings
Assess your home for energy efficiency. It does not have to cost a fortune to make positive changes. Draught proof doors, windows, skirting boards and the like if necessary. If you minimise energy waste you will be able to afford to heat your home properly.
Close drapes on an evening to retain heat in your home.
Set thermostats for appropriate heat. It is not necessary to have your central heating set high all day and all night. What is the point of having heating on when you are not at home?
Check the settings of fridges and freezers. In winter they can be turned down a notch.
Do not leave televisions and similar equipment on stand by. Turn off at the main plugs in order to save energy. This helps the environment and stops you wasting money. Energy bills can be high in winter without unnecssary extras.
Wear an extra layer of clothes. These days it is recommended that plenty of thin layers are worn to keep warm. This is much better than one thick sweater.
Switch of lights in rooms that are not in use. Make sure you have energy saving light bulbs fitted.
Overall
Eating well will help you to keep warm as well as stay fit and healthy. Drink plenty of warm drinks.
It is best to make changes before the onset of the worst weather. If for example you buy heavy weight drapes in the Summer they will be cheaper than in winter. Making changes to your home in summer, with winter in mind, could bring extra savings.
When it is time to replace equipment such as freezers, washing machines, fires and the like make sure that you buy the best energy rated equipment you can afford. In the long run these will save you money.
When the weather gets really cold make sure that you put your heating on. Economy is one thing but good practice and looking after yourself is a different matter.
If you follow the advice on this Wizz you should be able to afford to heat your home when the worst of the weather bites.
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Comments
Love that fireplace!
Thanks Katie. Blinking freezing here right now brr
I love a fireplace, open fires are so wonderful. Just when I thought we were off the hook we got another cold snap, those are the worst, just when you get used to the warm days a cold snap seems colder than ever. Thanks for the tips to save money while keeping warm. This is always useful information here in Ohio
Yes it has here too. Hope summer is good :)
Awesome ideas here, and good points to remember. This winter has fortunately been pretty mild so we have had pretty low heating bills (so far anyways). Otherwise drinking warm beverages is always a useful tip.
Yes SPB you have to do what it takes :) thanks for stopping by. In Yorkshire right now it is bitterly cold with snow on the ground. Yuk
I have noticed that as I get older, I feel the cold more so the part about warm drinks appeals to me as well as the bit about dressing in layers... It just makes sense! And I wear socks... hate them but I wear them all winter long!
Thanks for stopping by.Yes Sam small changes really do help. witiching off at the plug rather than leaving on stand by is a good one
BHthanks saving money is becoming essential these days :)
Very good article and I have become more aware this season than others. We cut the house heat down and generally use area heaters mostly. I was surprised at first at the savings by just setting the thermostat back eight degrees...
The topic of this page is right on. I should come back and reference to it in the future. These days, this topic is often on my mind, between the cold weather and the high heating bills.